For some of the Fathers of the Church, Hagar represented opposition to God. Abraham violated marriage to achieve his goal. That sin was paid for with bitterness for everyone involved. Today’s Gospel reading depicts Jesus casting out demons with the words, “Go then!” (Matthew 8:32). Through prayer and recovery work, we see that, when we ask Him, God casts evil out of our lives, just as Abraham eventually cast out his sinful relationship. We cannot let personal attachments, addicted friends, or dysfunctional families keep us chained to bad habits, no matter how unkind it may seem to cast them away.    

Abraham sent Hagar out to the wilderness. It seems cruel but God blessed both Abraham and Hagar. We learn that God will make something good out of the worst situation. We may have to separate ourselves from various relationships because they keep us trapped in addiction but, through His plan for us, God will make all things right. In fact, Hagar’s progeny became a great nation, the Arab people, who were at one time almost entirely Catholic. We have confidence that the Catholic faith among the Arab nations will triumph again, as the prophecy of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima indicates. 

Reflection Questions

• How has God’s mercy entered your life through patient waiting?
• Have you had to break relationships in order to protect your sobriety?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

Reflection by Bill B.